Secondary Cell Configuration via Physical Cell Identity
Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication networks, the configuration of secondary cells by macro and small eNodeBs can lead to incorrect activation or timing adjustment of secondary cells, causing signal interference and misoperation due to conflicts in secondary cell indexes, which requires carrying device identifiers in signaling messages, increasing message load.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for configuring secondary cells that involve receiving and sending secondary cell configuration messages without the need for device identifiers, using secondary cell indexes and timing advance group information to ensure correct activation and deactivation of secondary cells, reducing message load by eliminating the need for device identifiers in signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If device identifiers are carried in signaling messages to distinguish secondary cells from different base stations, then misoperation due to index conflicts is avoided, but message load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the base station identity information from the secondary cell configuration messages by using the serving cell's physical cell identity (PCI) as an implicit identifier. Instead of explicitly carrying device identifiers in signaling messages, the system extracts identity information from the serving cell's PCI, which is already known to the user equipment. This eliminates the need for additional device identifier fields in messages while maintaining the ability to distinguish between different base stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The serving cell's physical cell identity (PCI) serves multiple functions: it identifies the serving cell for the user equipment and simultaneously serves as an implicit identifier for the base station controlling secondary cells. This multi-functional use of PCI eliminates the need for separate device identifier mechanisms, reducing message load while maintaining reliability in distinguishing secondary cells from different base stations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If secondary cell indexes are independently allocated by each base station, then configuration flexibility is improved, but index conflicts between macro eNodeB and small eNodeB occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the serving cell's physical cell identity (PCI) as an intermediary that mediates between the need for independent base station configuration and the requirement for unique secondary cell identification. By tying secondary cell indexes to the serving cell's PCI, the system allows each base station to independently configure its secondary cells while ensuring uniqueness through the PCI association. The user equipment can distinguish which base station controls which secondary cell by referencing the serving cell's PCI.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to secondary cell identification by associating secondary cell indexes with the serving cell's physical cell identity (PCI). Instead of using only the base station identity and secondary cell index combination, the system introduces the PCI dimension, creating a unique triplet (PCI, secondary cell index) that guarantees uniqueness across the network while allowing independent configuration at each base station.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to the field of communications technologies, and embodiments of the present application disclose a method and an apparatus for configuring a secondary cell, and a host, where the method includes: receiving a secondary cell configuration message sent by a first base station, where the secondary cell configuration message includes a secondary cell index configured by the first base station for a secondary cell.